A traditional Chinese herb known as He Shou Wu, or polygonum multiflorum, is gaining attention for its potential to combat hair loss and restore hair growth. Used for centuries in China to ‘blacken hair’, new scientific reviews suggest that the herb could be a breakthrough remedy for androgenetic alopecia—the most common form of hair loss seen in both men and women.
Researchers found that unlike standard treatments, which typically target only one aspect of the condition, He Shou Wu appears to address several underlying causes at the same time. The herb reportedly reduces the impact of DHT, the hormone responsible for shrinking hair follicles, protects hair cells from dying too early, activates pathways linked to hair growth, and increases blood flow to the scalp, nourishing follicles.
Androgenetic alopecia, also known as pattern baldness, affects millions of people and is driven by genetics and hormones. Men usually experience thinning along the hairline and crown, while women see gradual thinning along the parting. This condition not only changes a person’s appearance but can also lower self-confidence.
Han Bixian, the lead author of the study published in the Journal of Holistic Integrative Pharmacy, notes that descriptions of the herb’s effects found in ancient Chinese medical texts match well with modern scientific understanding of how hair regrows. However, the current review gathered existing research rather than conducting new clinical trials. Experts urge that comprehensive trials are needed to confirm the benefits, establish safe dosages, and compare the herb with today’s popular treatments for hair loss.
While properly processed polygonum multiflorum is considered safe in traditional contexts, outside research points to possible risks such as liver injury, especially from unprocessed or high-dose supplements. Until large-scale clinical tests are conducted, the full potential and safety guidelines of this herbal remedy remain to be clarified.
